The Children, oh, the Children!

Last night we were “invaded” by hundreds of “birthright” children. . .almost all accompanied by beaming parents.  You know, the kind of parents who translate uncontainable pride into pragmatic responsibility for the safety of each of their children. 

As the stream of little ones, and occasionally the not so little, bounded up my sidewalk and onto my porch, questions raced, in a thought stream of my own, across my mind.  Who are these people, parents and kiddos?  How did they get to my house?  How do they fit into my world? 

The answers aren’t so hard to ascertain. Virtually all of the little ones, having been born in the United States, belong to this nation as citizens.  The same is true for many of the parents I engaged at my front door.  Of course, many are not citizens. . . yet.  

The children fill our public schools, adding a rich, unsurprising, qualitative diversity to classrooms across the city.  The ancestry of many dates back to colonial days and beyond.  They represent the hope and the future of our nation.  More and more, these children add the priority of academics to a deeply engrained expectation of and appreciation for hard work. 

But, what about the parents?  Who are these people?

·         They are the laborers who build our highways and bridges.

·         They work construction projects that result in the changing skyline of our city.

·         They clean our homes and businesses and hotels. 

·         They maintain our properties.

·         They prepare and serve our meals.

·         They teach and care for our children.

       They work in our hospitals and provide love and care when we are ill.

·         They conceive breakthrough products and processes.

·         They park our cars.

·         They apply their craftsmanship to our homes and buildings.

·         They remodel houses, maintain plumbing, make bricklaying look fun!

·         They love music.

·         They are community organizers and political leaders.

·         They care for one another.

·         They love their families.

·         

In short, they are just people like the rest of us.  

And like the vast, vast bulk of the rest of us, they are not rapists, thieves, drug dealers, violent murderers or gang members.  

The majority of those I saw last evening likely are citizens.  Those who aren’t seek only a better life for themselves and their children.  Kinda like me and my children and grandchildren.

So, I’m thinking, why would anyone want to get rid of these wonderful people?  Especially since our nation is aging, and it’s population is not growing outside the immigrant community. 

No, for me I’m feeling appreciation, gratitude and great hope as I think about who paid me a visit last evening on Halloween.  Frankly, I’m pretty sold on the so-called “browning of America!”

The danger of demagoguery

demagogue--a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices.

demagoguery-- an appeal to people that plays on their emotions and prejudices rather than on their rational side;  a manipulative approach — often associated with dictators and sleazy politicians — that appeals to the worst nature of people; demagoguery isn't based on reason, issues, and doing the right thing; it's based on stirring up fear and hatred to control people; for example, a politician who stirs up a fear of immigrants to distract from other issues is using demagoguery; one of the most negative aspects of politics, but it's also one that's all too common.

Think just here Donald Trump.

Trump is much, much more than a clown.  He is a dangerous man.

His statements on Mexico, on immigrants from Mexico and his harsh, hateful judgmental spirit appears to be working with some voters, as he fans the fire of xenophobia and the worst of our heritage as a nation. 

Possibly the irony of all ironies has to do with the fact that the United States, a nation of immigrants, has always witnessed vociferous, anti-immigrant spokespersons, usually self-appointed, voices like that of Mr. Trump. 

He is short-sighted and inexperienced at best.  I won't speak to the "at worst" here.

Simply put, he is dead wrong.

Try doing Dallas without immigrants from Mexico.  We all benefit from the labor of hard working Mexican immigrants.  We exploit them and their legal status to our benefit.  This ugly truth is why we have not achieved comprehensive immigration reform:  it is not in the self-interest of people like Mr. Trump to pursue a fair, enlightened immigration policy.  So, he makes speeches that appeal to crowds of angry people.

Check his "facts" and you'll find nothing to back up his outlandish statements.

To be honest, he is talking about friends of mine.  I find him most offensive and vulgar.

Young and old, rich and poor, the folks "the Donald" refers to have as much right to be in this nation as any of the rest of us.  In fact, a stronger case can be made that their claim to the rights to be here, (especially in Texas) go all the way back to the Treaty of Hidalgo 1848 and its almost immediate violation by the United States. 

My thoughts today are more in line with Governor Chris Christie (R-NJ):  "Take your seat, sir, and close your mouth." 

You know, it really is about my dear friends. 

My friend, Jose, needs relief

[CitySquare's "Urban Engagement Cinema" will present a free, private screening of the film, "DOCUMENTED" on Thursday, June 26 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Angelika Film Center & Café (5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Suite 230 in Dallas.  Below is a note from our good friend and partner in justice, Liz Cedillo-Pereira, an attorney practicing immigration and nationality law in the Dallas area.  Very instructive of the real problems facing our dear friends from south of our border here in Texas.  To read more about Jose's case, use the search tool on this page by typing in Jose or Monica and Jose.]

Thank you for showing Documented in Dallas on June 26, 2014.  I’d like to ask that you include two special people as  part of the screening. Frankly, Jose is the reason I have been so committed to the  plight of DREAMers.

As Keilah, Gerald and Larry know,  I have a client named Jose Ibarra (who is copied herein with his wife, Mayra).  Jose  is a  DREAMer who was deported in 2011 (before DACA announcement) for no offense other than being without status. 

He is married to a lovely young woman, Mayra, who is a United States citizen.  She has been delaying college and working full-time to help her mother and survive as a young married woman. 

We are working on bringing Jose back as a lawful permanent resident. 

Now, we have received a request for additional evidence because US CIS states we have not shown sufficient evidence to establish that Mayra is suffering “extreme and unusual” hardship without her husband. 

Their story is one that needs to be told because what they are experiencing amounts to cruel treatment.  Many couples seeking these waivers have children; they do not.  But all they have really is one another. 

He’s been alienated from his wife and family and community for 2.5 years in San Luis Potosi.  He has been beaten by local thugs because he does not look like everyone else.  His wife has to pay $650 for an airline ticket to see him or ride a bus for 16  hours. It’s a scenario that is unsafe for both of them. 

I have been representing Jose since he was placed in removal proceeding for attending his high school senior "skip day" in 2008 – he and his cousin, Monica, were referred to me by Larry James. 

For the upcoming screening of Documented, do you think we can Skype Jose in and have Mayra present as part of the panel?  Their story is much more powerful than anything I can add.

At a recent conference for Grantmakers Concerned for Immigrants and Refugees, I met Theo Rigby, Director of Immigrant Nation (copied herein) who had a showing of his riveting film, The Mayor.  Perhaps, Theo and/or Thorne would be interested in telling Jose and Mayra’s story and Dianne Solis with Dallas Morning News.    

Here is Thorne’s film related to DREAMers.

http://thearrivals.org/about/#

 All the best, 

Liz

       

 

Race and immigration

A time for action

  

            Recently, Republican leadership in the U. S. House of Representatives released a document titled “Standards for Immigration Reform” outlining a set of principles to guide their negotiations on the issue in 2014. 

Included in their framework are familiar ideas such as securing the nation’s border to the south, implementation of an entry-exit visa tracking system, employment verification and workforce enforcement of the law, a special plan for addressing the status of under aged youth brought to the United States by parents and a requirement that undocumented residents be willing to “come forward” and honestly address their current status.  A requirement embedded in the GOP plan would be the admission of a violation of the law by the undocumented, submission to rigorous background checks, the payment of fines and any back taxes, development of proficiency in both English and U. S. civics and the ability to support their families.  Finally the “Standards” state, “Criminal aliens, gang members, and sex offenders and those who do not meet the . . . requirements will not be eligible for this program. In addition, none of this can happen before specific enforcement triggers have been implemented to fulfill our promise to the American people that from hereon, our immigration laws will indeed be enforced.”     

This clear statement of the Republican position provided encouragement to those of us who have been working hard and clamoring frequently for Congress to take action to define, reform and pass comprehensive immigration reform that will benefit millions of our undocumented neighbors by providing them legal status and the protection and opportunity that they so richly deserve but presently do not enjoy. 

           Protection is essential because currently many of my undocumented friends work, study and serve without assurances provided by law or regulation.  As a result, workers are forced to live with the exploitation of unscrupulous employers who take advantage of their immigration status to underpay or, in some cases, to not pay for work performed.  Furthermore, in many of the most demanding work settings safety, human resources standards and fair labor practices are not simply neglected; they are largely ignored or completely dismissed. 

Dedicated, hardworking students complete degrees at our universities with absolutely no pathway to full employment.  Individuals and families are forced to live in what amounts to an underground society defined by limitations and the very real fear of deportation and separation from loved ones. 

I understand the fears of parents well thanks to the fact that for several years I’ve worked with a family whose son was deported to Mexico, even though he was brought to the United States as a very young child with no knowledge of immigration law.  Jose, now sent away to a village in central Mexico, knows nothing but his experience and self-understanding as an American. 

           

A city like Dallas would be hard pressed to function without the presence and labor of the undocumented, like Jose’s father.  Comprehensive reform would bring everyone into the light of day.  The overall local economy would benefit.  Our schools would improve dramatically, as now documented parents felt more confident in engaging with public schools.  Law enforcement, labor relations, business development, home ownership, community strength and enhanced social stability would improve the quality of life for us all in virtually every neighborhood in town.

           

Beyond the clear economic return to Dallas as a result of immigration reform, we need relief from the injustice and immorality of the current state of affairs that weighs on our city’s self-understanding, as well as its vision for a bright future.  No city aspiring to become a world-class community built on fundamental democratic ideals, the power and beauty of human diversity and the promise of a people’s innovation can achieve its goals when so many of its people cannot function as fully vested partners in the enterprise of hope and justice.

Unfortunately, the Speaker of the U. S. House of Representatives has now come out to inform us that he will not take up any effort to enact reform this year.  Claiming that President Obama “cannot be trusted to enforce the law,” Speaker Boehner has decided no action is the proper approach to this pressing national problem.

Texas is special.  So much of our history, hope and heritage connect to families south of our boarder.  For generations the real immigrants to Texas, and more particularly to Dallas, have benefited greatly from this Latino connection.  The time has come, and is long past due, to honor our centuries old joint heritage.  Providing a way for our hard working, undocumented neighbors to more fully embrace our community, its opportunity and its promise makes sense for us all.  To fail again in addressing this clear and immediate challenge seems unthinkable. Clearly, it is time for action.

Larry James

President/CEO

CitySquare

214-303-2116

ljames@CitySquare.org

Now

We're long overdue on this one.

Even though it's a bill we don't want to open, the time has come.
The moment has arrived.  Now is today.

Comprehensive immigration reform must be accomplished.

Here are just a few of the obvious reasons:

1)  Hard-working, honest men, women, youth and families earn pennies on the dollar from countless unscrupulous employers who take advantage of and exploit the uncredentialed status of their undocumented workers.

2)  Undocumented workers are in violation of civil law, their coming to the United States is not a criminal matter.  They come here for many of the same reasons my family came here.  Why is my family considered noble and theirs not?

3)  I benefit from the Social Security contributions made by undocumented labor.  These workers pay the equivalent of 10% of the Social Security Trust Fund annually--benefits that the undocumented will never be able to claim.

4)  Families who came to the U. S. seeking a better life continue to live in fear and do business in an underground economy.

5)  The children of the undocumented  brought here with no knowledge of or part in the decision to move face grave limitations as they grow older.  For example, those who graduate high school and go on to college have no assurance of being able to work when their training is complete.

6)  Millions of these wonderful people have been in the country for decades and consider themselves to be exactly who they are:  Americans.

7)  Reform will mean a dramatic increase in the net worth of those given this just relief.  Driving poverty rates down will follow closely on the heels of reform.

We can't wait any longer.

The time has come.

No more excuses.

Now.

Immigration policy: a matter of faith!

Dylan Garity: Passionate appeal for immigrant children

Sandra

Here is a report on a patient at CitySquare's Community Health Services medical clinic:  

Sandra was referred to CitySquare several years ago from the ER at Baylor.  She was treated here and has great health now.  

She volunteered as a translator for our cooking classes and everyone loved her.  The cooking class coordinator wanted to steal her from us.  

Sandra  is one of those young people brought by her parents to the US for a better life.  She attended school and really did well.  She went to school to be a medical assistant and her dream is to be a registered nurse.  She however did not have permission to work in the US and was not eligible for scholarships or loans for college.  She was stuck and unable to progress or work legally.

In the last year there have been changes to the rules affecting people in her situation.  She quickly applied for the Dream Act and completed all the necessary paperwork to get a work permit in the US.  We wrote letters of recommendation for her as we knew her as patient and as a volunteer.  

About a month ago she returned to the clinic to show me her Permission to work ID.  She said the next day she was going to get a driver’s license.  As she sat in my office, she began to cry.  I asked what the matter was and she said I just can’t believe all my dreams are coming true. I have waited so long with no hope,  now everything is changing so fast and it is all good.

She applied for a job at Baylor at our encouragement and she was hired for a full time position.  She will, after a period of time, be able to continue her education with the support of the tuition reimbursement program Baylor has for employees.  We are so proud of what she has accomplished.

We must never forget the message of "the Lady" at our gates

The New Colossus

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,

With conquering limbs astride from land to land;

Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand

A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame

Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name

Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand

Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command

The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.

"Keep ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

An important voice on immigration reform

Immigration Roundtable meeting

Prayer Roundtable on Immigration

Saturday, June 15, 2013

Your insight is needed in order to make a difference in this historic moment.

We are closer to reforming our broken immigration system than we have been for many years. However, the outcome is far from sure. 

On June 15th, from 11:30am-1:00pm, World Vision and the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, as members of the national Evangelical Immigration Table, will convene pastors and other faith leaders for a time of prayer and dialogue with local legislators about the possibility of attaining an effective and human immigration system which reflects the biblical values of justice and compassion.

Location: Springcreek Church

Address: 2660 Belt Line Road, Garland, Texas 75044

When: Saturday, June 15, 2013

Time: 11:30am-1:00pm (Lunch included)

The national Evangelical Immigration Table is the broadest and most powerful bipartisan coalition of faith leaders in support of immigration reform (www.evangelicalimmigrationtable.com ).

In addition, as preparation for the dialogue, we are offering a special education/training session on the history of immigration policy, the current pending legislation and a Biblically-based public policy advocacy model from 6:30pm-9:30pm on Friday June 14th (also at Springcreek Community Church).

We look forward to your participation! 

Please RSVP to joannlira@nhclc.org.

In Christ,

Rev. Keith Stewart

Rev. Gus Reyes 

Froswa Booker-Drew

Immigration Reform in Committee

The U. S. Senate Judiciary Committee leads the current discussion regarding immigration reform.  To see a listing of the committee members click here.

The 18 members of this committee are considering possible amendments to the bipartisan “Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act” that was introduced a few weeks ago.  

The amendment process is incredibly important: it provides the opportunity to make improvements to the bill before it goes to a vote, but it also provides an opportunity to introduce elements to a carefully negotiated compromise bill that could cause bipartisan support to be limited going forward.

If one of your senators is a member of this committee, I urge you to contact him/her and express your support for comprehensive immigration reform, and ask that it be wrapped up this coming summer for the sake of the millions of people who are adversely affected by current policies.  

So many of our neighbors need the relief that strong reform would provide.  

God on immigrants--2

<sup>The Torah

"</sup>As for the assembly, there shall be for both you and the resident alien a single statute, a perpetual statute throughout your generations; you and the alien shall be alike before the Lord.  You and the alien who resides with you shall have the same law and the same ordinance." Numbers 15:15-16

"I charged your judges at that time: 'Give the members of your community a fair hearing, and judge rightly between one person and another, whether citizen or resident alien.'"  Deuteronomy 1:16

". . . who executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and who loves the strangers, providing them food and clothing. You shall also love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt."  Deuteronomy 10:18-19

"You shall not withhold the wages of poor and needy laborers, whether other Israelites or aliens who reside in your land in one of your towns."  Deuteronomy 24:14

"You shall not deprive a resident alien or an orphan of justice; you shall not take a widow’s garment in pledge. Remember that you were a slave in Egypt and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore I command you to do this." Deuteronomy 24:17-18

“Cursed be anyone who deprives the alien, the orphan, and the widow of justice.” All the people shall say, “Amen!”  Deuteronomy 27:19

God on immigrants--1

From The Torah

 ". . .there shall be one law for the native and for the alien who resides among you."  Exodus 12:49 (Leviticus 24:22)

"You shall not wrong or oppress a resident alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." Exodus 22:21

"You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." Exodus 23:9

"When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap to the very edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest.  You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of you vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien:  I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:9-10 (23:22)

"When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." Leviticus 19:33-34

Monica

Many readers will remember the saga of Monica and Jose.  She's been my friend since she was about 5-years-old!

If you need a refresher, just type Monica into the search tool on this page and you can read past posts.  The following message came to me on March 21.  

What joyous news for this great young woman and her family!

Our struggle has been more than worth it.  It is an example of community work at its very best and highest expression

Now we need to direct our attention to the work of comprehensive immigration reform, including passage of the DREAM Act.  

Dear family and friends,

I am happy to announce that I am now DACAmented :D  (DACA documented... get it?)

I am happy to announce that I have been approved for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which means my deportation proceedings have been closed and I am now like any other DREAMer without the fear of being in deportation proceedings again. Based on this new program I am able to attain a work permit that will be valid for a period of two years and may be renewed, and I am currently working on the process of attaining my driver's license.

I would like to thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for all of your support, blessings, prayers and presence in mine and my family's life, we are so grateful to know such wonderful people.  What I have today would not be if it wasn't for all of y'all help. I will keep you updated and please let me know if there is anything I can do to give back.

Much Love,

Monica Ibarra

P.S. Alan (my youngest brother) is currently awaiting approval of his DACA application. We will keep you updated on that too.  

______________________

Throughout Monica's entire ordeal, her attorney, Liz Cedillo-Pereira stood by her, fought for her, counseled her and prayed for her and all of us.  Here's what Liz sent to Monica upon receiving the great news:

I like that phrase "DACAmented!"

And, I am so very proud and happy for you.  Your life has enriched my own.  And, I have no doubt that this valley you have walked in since 2009 will be used as a testament to the unbreakable sprit and determination of a young woman named Monica Ibarra.  You know that God has His hand on you and called you to service and I can only imagine all the great things that are in store for you and our world because of you in it.

You will always be in my heart and Ms. Helen's. 

Love,  

Liz

21 Immigration Reform "Power Players"

Check them out here.

You may be surprised at who's on the list!

An important, timely conversation

Jim Wallis and Lisa Sharon Harper are friends. 

Their conversation is enlightening and most important.

 We all need to get involved for the sake of our neighbors who have become our dear friends.

 

Take the challenge!

Consider taking the "I Was A Stranger Challenge" today!  The effort began last fall, but it continues and our efforts are needed.

Begin by viewing the video below.

To find out about the "challenge" click here.

Immigration Reform: An Overview from Mother Jones

What's Happening With Immigration Reform, Explained

From the Gang of Eight to "the back of the line," here's a quick primer on the latest congressional battle.

By Ian Gordon on Tue. January 29, 2013 10:23 AM PDT

In the wake of a presidential campaign that saw Mitt Romney popularize the term "self-deportation" and President Obama clobber his rival among Latino and Asian American voters, Obama and the Senate's bipartisan Gang of Eight have announced the broad strokes of their respective immigration reform plans, which aim to deal with the approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States. We put together this primer to help you follow the debate now brewing.

What is "comprehensive immigration reform"? For years, this expression has been code for an immigration compromise. It would include tougher border enforcement (more Border Patrol agents, fencing, etc.), while also proposing a path to citizenship for the undocumented immigrants already here. Guest worker programs are often the third prong, in theory providing a legal way for foreign workers to fill temporary jobs in the US.

As my colleague Adam Serwer pointed out, Obama's plan makes no mention of a guest worker program, while the proposal put forward by the Gang of Eight—Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), and Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.)—calls for a "humane and effective system" for "immigrant workers to enter the country and find employment without seeking the aid of human traffickers or drug cartels."

Wait, didn't we already have immigration reform in the mid-'80s? Well, yes. There were more than 3 million undocumented immigrants in the United States when Congress passed the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA), which sought to strike a balance among employer sanctions, border enforcement, and legalization. Its failures—the sanctions were largely toothless, and the legalization program was opaque and inefficient—in many ways have colored the reform debate to this day. (See: the amnesty crowd.)

According to Donald M. Kerwin (PDF) of the Migration Policy Institute, a DC-based nonprofit, even though "millions of persons with approved petitions…languished for years in unauthorized status" due to a lumbering federal bureaucracy, IRCA lowered the undocumented population of the United States by 1.8 million to 3 million people. The rise of that population in the 1990s and early aughts, Kerwin wrote, "can also be attributed in part to the failure of US legal immigration policies—which IRCA left almost entirely intact—to meet US labor market needs during these years. It also can be attributed to inconsistent enforcement of the employer verification laws and to flaws in the employer verification regime that make it difficult to detect when unauthorized workers present the legitimate documents of others."

And didn't we try again in 2007? Great memory! George W. Bush pushed hard for immigration reform during his second term, but the bill never got past the Senate. This New York Times roundup captures both sides pretty well: Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.), a staunch reform opponent, claimed that supporters wanted to pass the bill "before Rush Limbaugh could tell the American people what was in it." Meanwhile, a defeated Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) lamented, "The situation is going to get worse and worse and worse."

What do both sides agree on this time around? There's no way any deal gets done without more border enforcement (see below), so that's a starting point. Additionally, lawmakers have added Romney's plan to "staple a green card" to the diplomas of immigrants receiving advanced degrees in science, math, engineering, and technology at American universities. And the DREAM Act, first introduced more than a decade ago, finally seems to have bipartisan support. (The act offers a path to legal status for young people whose parents brought them here illegally as children.)

What are the stickiest points? Under the Senate's plan, immigrants won't be able to seek legal residency until border security has been achieved. (There's still confusion over the role and power of the proposed Southwestern border commission, which would include border hawks like Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer.) Also, guest worker programs have traditionally been opposed by labor unions. On top of that, Obama's push to grant gay and lesbian couples the same immigration rights as heterosexual couples has already been met with opposition from Republicans; at a January 30 event, McCain said: "Which is more important: LGBT or border security? I'll tell you what my priorities are. If you're going to load it up with social issues, that is the best way to derail it, in my view."

Just to clarify: Don't we already spend tons to secure the border? Sure do. Customs and Border Protection had a budget of $11.7 billion last year, $3.5 billion of that for the Border Patrol. As the Washington Post reporter (and Mother Jones alum!) Suzy Khimm pointed out yesterday, the United States has surpassed the border security requirements from the failed 2007 reform plan. Nowadays, we have 21,444 agents working the border, some 8,500 more than in 2007. Notably, 2011 saw the fewest Border Patrol apprehensions since 1971 (340,252)—at a whopping cost to taxpayers of $10,431 per apprehension—four times as much as in 2007.

To read on click here!